The provincial government is still planning to make 30 percent of the electricity in Alberta come from renewable sources by 2030.

Environment Minister Shannon Phillips announced Wednesday that to help achieve that goal, the NDP will support 5,000 megawatts of additional renewable energy capacity for Albertans.

Patrick Bateman of the Canadian Solar Industries Association says this changes things because the commitment used to be “up to 30%”, instead of the firm commitment now in place.

“The government’s been doing due diligence, jurisdictional scans, and modelling with the system operator,” said Bateman. “The announcement (Wednesday) means that they’re confident that 30% by 2030 is achievable. And it’s the level of ambition that’s going to get us to the climate change objectives that we’re seeking here in the province.”

Evan Wilson with the Canadian Wind Energy Association says the Pan-Canadian Wind Integration Study shows wind power could play a big role to make that goal.

“It’s demonstrated that basically wind could account for 35% of the capacity here in the province,” said Wilson. “And also 35% of the capacity across the country, without any impact on reliability.”

Phillips believes $10.5-billion will be invested into Alberta with the creation of 7,200 jobs, as projects are built.

At this point though, there is no price-tag for taxpayers to achieve the 2030 target. (km/Newstalk770)